Myiarchus crinitus
adult
The Great Crested Flycatcher is a relatively large, slim-bodied species. The sexes are similar. Adults have a dark brown hood, nape, and back. The underparts comprise a dark gray face, throat, and breast, with a clear separation from the bright yellowish belly and undertail. The wings are dark overall but show two pale wingbars and rufous-tinged primaries. The tail is mainly rufous, both above and below. The legs are black and the bill is black overall but with a dark brown base. Juveniles are similar to adults but with subdued colors overall, and rufous wingbars and flight feather edges.
The Great Crested Flycatcher is present as a breeding species across most of temperate eastern North America from April to September. It spends the rest of the year in Central and South America. It perches in an upright posture and feeds by flycatching passing insects, gleaning insects from foliage, and dropping to the ground for prey.
adult
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 7–8.5 in (18–21.5 cm)
FOOD Insects, other invertebrates, and fruit
HABITAT Wide range of wooded habitats
STATUS Common summer visitor
VOICE Song (sung at dawn) comprises a series of whu-eep call-like notes. Calls include an upslurred whu-eep and a harsh chrrrt
